Published online Apr 19, 2024. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i4.553
Peer-review started: January 12, 2024
First decision: January 30, 2024
Revised: February 2, 2024
Accepted: March 19, 2024
Article in press: March 19, 2024
Published online: April 19, 2024
The emergence delirium (ED) is a common postoperative complication in the post-anesthesia care unit, representing a significant management challenge. Given the vital role of nurses in the management of delirium, it is crucial to explore the experiences and challenges of anesthesia nurses in managing ED.
Currently, the issues and perspectives of anesthesia nurses in the management of ED are not well understood. Therefore, this study adopts a qualitative research approach to thoroughly explore the cognition and experiences of anesthesia nurses in managing ED patients.
To understand the issues, challenges, and experiences faced by anesthesia nurses in managing ED, with the aim of providing a reference for the development of standardized ED training and management systems and enhancing the abilities of anesthesia nurses in ED management.
A descriptive phenomenological research method was employed in this study, using purposive sampling to select anesthesia nurses for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The collected data were then analyzed and thematic findings were derived using the Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis approach.
Anesthesia nurses are currently lacking theoretical knowledge in addressing ED, and their practical handling of such patients has not reached a proficient level, leading to significant physical and mental stress. However, they have shown great enthusiasm for learning about and managing ED and have put forward multiple constructive opinions and suggestions, which are worth drawing inspiration from and learning.
Nursing managers should pay full attention to the cognitive and management experiences of anesthesia nurses in managing patients with ED, by strengthening knowledge learning, establishing standardized management systems, developing early warning strategies, and promoting physical and mental well-being. This will enhance the abilities of anesthesia nurses in ED care and provide helpful guidance in formulating standardized management protocols for ED.
Future research can develop detailed and standardized protocols for managing ED based on the recommendations of this study and apply them in clinical practice.